United News of Bangladesh

A festive atmosphere has filled remote Ulashi village in Jashore's Sharsha upazila where residents have been eagerly waiting since morning for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Young and old alike have gathered along both banks of  Ulashi Canal. Many are carrying spades and traditional bamboo hats, while others are standing in rows along the roadside for a glimpse of the Prime Minister. Some people were seen waiting with marigold flowers to welcome the Prime Minister. Soon after arriving in Jashore, Tarique is set to begin his first programme of the day by inaugurating the re-excavation of Ulashi-Jadunathpur Canal. The nearly four-kilometre canal which connects with the Betna River was first excavated in 1976 under the initiative of former president Ziaur Rahman. Centenarian Barik Mondol, a resident of Ulashi, was present at the original canal excavation ceremony in 1976. He has come again today, recalling that historic occasion. "Ziaur Rahman arrived by helicopter and landed on the school field. He then walked to the canal, dug the soil himself with a spade and placed it in a basket," Barik said. "The President then lifted the basket onto the head of my brother, Karim Box Mondol, who was a union parishad member. He even wore my brother's traditional bamboo hat," he added. Barik also recalled the huge gathering that day. "Later, local people, along with members of different government agencies, joined the excavation work. Several hundred people worked voluntarily without any payment. They were given only bread and molasses for lunch. People joined the work simply out of their love for the President," he said. Octogenarian Shahdat Hossain also recalled that he had dug the canal alongside Ziaur Rahman 50 years ago. "I am here today to see Ziaur Rahman's son, Tarique Rahman, and witness the re-excavation of the canal, which has become almost dead," he said. Local shopkeeper Imran Ali said he had heard that Ziaur Rahman excavated the canal nearly five decades ago. "We're very happy that now his son is coming to re-excavate the canal. We're eagerly waiting to welcome the Prime Minister," he said. Local farmer Andur Rob said the canal has become almost useless due to years of neglect. "It has created serious irrigation problems. Re-excavation of the canal will greatly benefit the people of this area," he said. Rob said the villagers are overjoyed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is coming here to launch the project. The historic plaque marking Ziaur Rahman's inauguration of the project still stands at the site. It has been cleaned ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. Another plaque on the monument commemorates the formal inauguration of the project by President Ziaur Rahman on April 30, 1977.